AstroUpdate – November 2013

Welcome to the Stella Starwoman November AstroUpdate and thank you to all of you who wrote saying how much

you’d enjoyed last month’s article on the Camino de Santiago! If you missed it, click HERE to read.

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Three Legs & Beyond

On my recent trip to Europe, I studied Italian in Sicily, sampling the delights of Taormina in the foothills of the

sacred and ancient volcano, Mount Etna. Those who have visited Sicily or have an interest in Italian culture and

history may be familiar with the three legged motif, triskelion or trinacria (from the Greek tri- (three) and akra (end,

limb)) associated with this triangular shaped island in the Mediterranean. This same three-legged symbol can also be

found in Brittany in France and the Isle of Man in Britain. In fact, the sacred geometry of the number three, which in

astrology signifies the trine (120° angle) linking zodiac signs of the same element or triplicity (fire, earth, air, water),

can be found throughout Europe and beyond.

The Trinacria – National Symbol of Sicily

Three has always been seen as a magical number - but why is it so special? Two is a number representing opposing

forces or simply a straight line, whereas when we add a third point we create a triangle or trinity. When two people

come together to form a relationship, it is their love or passion, some third or outside force, that makes the

relationship come alive to conceive a child, build a home, start a business etc. In astrology, three planets linked

together in an equilateral triangle in the birth chart (grand trine) offer the gift of creativity, three being the

quintessential number of creation.

In Hindu mythology, statues of the cosmic dancer Shiva show the god standing within a flaming circle with two

hands and one foot resting on its circumference forming an equilateral triangle. The concept of triadic deity is found

throughout world mythology where three interrelated creative forces are represented by a central figure or god, along

with two supporting entities, such as the Hindu trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, representing the Trimurti or

three fold nature of the divine - creation, preservation and destruction.

In Western Europe, the triple spiral motif is a Neolithic

symbol, usually considered Celtic in origin, but

actually dating back to much earlier times. A triple

spiral can be seen carved into the rock outside the main

entrance of the prehistoric Newgrange monument in

Ireland¸ built around 3200 BC and containing one of

Europe’s earliest astronomical calendars.

The spirals represent the creative

force of the sun and the concept of

life, death and rebirth with the

passage of the seasons and

lunar cycles.

Triple Spirals at Newgrange, Ireland

It is said that St Patrick used the three leaves of the Irish shamrock to teach the Holy Trinity of Christianity, but for

the Druids, who lived hundreds of years before the Christians, the shamrock symbolised this same “three in one”

concept - the three dominions of earth, sky, and sea; the three ages of man, and the three phases of the moon - the

triple Goddess, maiden, mother and crone.

The French have traditionally used the fleur de lys or lily flower as a symbol of light and life but again the origins of

the fleur de lys are much older dating back to ancient Egypt where the symbol for 'plant' meaning 'tree of life' was

three sacred lotus lilies, blown into life by the breath of Hu, the Celestial Sphinx. The lotus flower represents life and

resurrection. Similarly in Norse mythology, the three horned symbol of Odin symbolises wisdom and inspiration and

a mastery of the secrets of life.

My quest began in Sicily with a fascinating three-legged crest, on an island shaped like a triangle and according to

myth, held up by three pillars. But on closer examination, it seems impossible to study any religious or spiritual

system without finding the number three, whether this be a three-headed or three faced god or goddess; three people

in a family grouping (e.g. the Egyptian Osiris, Isis and Horus) or some kind of mysterious trinity depicted by an

esoteric symbol. The number three clearly holds the key to the secret of creation.

November New Moon, Full Moon & Scorpio Solar Eclipse

This month’s new moon falls on the 3

rd November in water

sign Scorpio the day after the midpoint of the Mercury

retrograde cycle. The Sabian Symbol for this degree of the

zodiac (11-12° Scorpio) shows an official embassy ball,

symbolising peaceful cooperation between nations as an

essential step on the pathway to global peace. There is a

solar eclipse at this new moon as the life giving sun is

briefly eclipsed by the dark and mysterious moon. All

eclipses indicate change; solar eclipses signify beginnings

and usually manifest as events in the outer world.

The Hermetic astrologers of the mystery schools of Egypt and Greece believed

that an eclipse created a tunnel to higher realms where they could communicate

directly with the star gods and access their sacred wisdom. And scientific

tests have shown that during an eclipse, electromagnetic fields increase

in magnitude, especially near sacred sites.

Astrologer Bernadette Brady writes: “This is a gentle eclipse bringing a sense of inspiration or the illumination of

ideas. Sudden release of material from the unconscious which brings with it a great deal of insight. These ideas are

good and the individual would be wise to act upon them.”

Early November is an important and emotional time for Scorpios with a birthday within a day or two of the eclipse

(Tony Abbott for example) and the eclipse will also affect those born around the beginning of May, or anyone with

planets or personal points, such as the Ascendant and Midheaven, close to 11-12º Taurus, Leo, Scorpio or Aquarius.

The October full moon occurs in earth sign Taurus on the 18th November. The Sabian Symbol for this degree of the

zodiac (25-26°) shows a gypsy emerging from the forest where her tribe are encamped, representing the leaving

behind of the tribal and instinctual way of life to engage in more challenging interpersonal relationships. This full

moon asks us to step up and step out as individuals to embrace a new and more aware state of consciousness.

Featured Sign-Scorpio

The Sun travels through water sign Scorpio from the 23rd October to the 22nd November this year. Scorpio is the

eighth sign of the zodiac with keywords “I will survive” and “I am intense”. Scorpio has three symbols, the scorpion,

representing Scorpio’s lower nature, her jealousy, desire for revenge and tendency to manipulate or control others;

the eagle, representing Scorpio’s ability to soar above emotional attachment with pride and dignity, thus accessing

the true power of the sign, and finally the holy dove, symbol of divine love, compassion, tolerance and forgiveness.

Those born under the sign of the Scorpion are usually loyal, strong and courageous. They love exploring the

mysteries of life – birth, death, sexuality, reincarnation and anything taboo. They have a reputation for being

passionate, secretive and highly sexual and due to their emotional intensity, often have to deal with issues of trust

and betrayal. Negatively, Scorpios can be possessive, jealous, vindictive, destructive and manipulative, particularly

when hurt or betrayed. An icy or impassive front often conceals the deepest of feelings. In medical astrology,

Scorpio rules the organs of elimination and reproduction including the urinary tract,

bowel, prostate gland and nasal bones. When Scorpios are out of balance

they can suffer from haemorrhoids, constipation, urinary tract infections,

menstrual and reproductive problems plus catarrh and sinus problems. The

Scorpio colours are dark red, purple, dark green and black. Scorpio’s greatest

lesson is to learn emotional release and to forgive both themselves and others.

Mercury Retrograde

Mercury, the communication planet and bridge between the conscious and unconscious mind, turned retrograde on

the 22nd

October and will continue his backward journey through Scorpio until the 12th November. The midpoint of

the Mercury retrograde cycle when Mercury (the rational mind) is swallowed up by the Sun (the life force) occurs on

the 2nd

November. This meeting of the Sun and Mercury is often accompanied by an ‘aha’ moment, with new

insights and understanding, which can be either healing or confronting. The conjunction occurs at 9-10° Scorpio, so

those with personal planets around this point will be most affected. Pay particular attention to gut feelings, hunches

and pieces of information that randomly come your way. And as always with Mercury retrograde, avoid making

important decisions or major purchases (especially cars, computers, phones, airline tickets and IT equipment) until

after Mercury turns direct on the 12th.

Key Astrological Events - November

Relationship planet Venus will be in fire sign Sagittarius until the 5th of November, your last chance to plan

adventures and good times with partners and friends before Venus moves into serious Capricorn for the rest of the

month. Venus in earth sign Capricorn asks us to sort out our finances, get serious about relationships and take a

practical approach to life. And with action planet Mars also in an earth sign (Virgo) throughout November, this is a

month for achievement rather than pleasure.

On the 3rd

November, the day of the solar eclipse, Mercury meets up with the North Node in Scorpio promising

fortunate encounters and successful teamwork. Now is a good time to apply for a new job, network with new

colleagues or make that special phone call. The Mercury-North Node conjunction reoccurs on the 19th giving us a

second chance to make these things happen.

The 6th November is another important day when the Sun, giver of life and light meets up with serious Saturn in

Scorpio. This conjunction happens only once a year and is a great time to focus on steady accomplishment with a

long term perspective. Take a good long look at your life and celebrate your achievements. And if you’re not happy

with what you see, make plans for a new start so you can reap the benefits down the track. For some people the Sun-

Saturn combination can result in a clash with authority figures and bosses. The lesson here is to take responsibility

and cultivate your own power.

Any underlying relationship problems are likely to surface mid-month when Venus conjuncts Pluto and squares

Uranus on the 15th and 16

th. If you’re not happy with your current relationship, avoid complaining and do something

about it. The Uranian energy can bring new partners onto the scene, particularly if you’re in a rut and need some

excitement in your life.

Finally on the 26th, communication planet Mercury meets up with serious Saturn

producing balanced and logical thinking coupled with penetrating insight, great

concentration and focus. If you find yourself becoming obsessed with a particular

person or situation, take time out for meditation and reflection to help identify

any underlying issues. Avoid pointless worry as matters will soon lighten up.

November Moon Calendar

Launch projects at the New Moon, bring them to completion in the period from just before the Full Moon to the

Third Quarter phase and wind them down and reflect on developments in the week before the next New Moon. The

period between the New Moon and the Full Moon is the waxing moon (moon getting bigger and fuller). The period

between the Full Moon and the New Moon is the waning moon (moon getting smaller and thinner).

You can use this moon table to select the most favourable days to slow or increase hair regrowth. Full instructions

can be found in my Lunar Hair Care guidelines at www.stellastarwoman.com/files/LunarHairCare.pdf but to get you

started I’ve marked the best dates for waxing/shaving to slow regrowth in yellow and the best dates to cut hair for

thicker, lusher growth in green. If you’re serious about Lunar Hair Care - order your own Moon Calendar from the

Stella Starwoman Store then you’ll know exactly what time of day the moon changes from one zodiac sign to the

next meaning you can fine-tune your activities with confidence.

Date

Sign Element Moon Phase

1st-3

rd Libra Air

3rd

-5th Scorpio Water New Moon 3

rd

Solar Eclipse

5th-7

th Sagittarius Fire

7th-9

th Capricorn Earth

9th-11

th Aquarius Air First Quarter

11th-13

th Pisces Water

13th-16

th Aries Fire

16th-18

th Taurus Earth Full Moon 18th

18th-20

th Gemini Air

20th-23

rd Cancer Water

23rd

-25th

Leo Fire

25th-28

th Virgo Earth Third Quarter

28th-30

th Libra Air

30th Scorpio Water

Thanks for being part of AstroUpdate. If there’s something you’d like to see featured, or have something you think

would interest others, please contact me at stellaw@ozemail.com.au

PS – Don’t forget to check out your November Monthly Stars at www.stellastarwoman.com

to see what’s coming up for you this month.

Happy Stargazing

Stella Woods

www.stellastarwoman.com